We take a look at some of our favourite books that we have read this year so far…
Sisi: Empress Elisabeth of Austria by Regine Neuhauser: this is one of the liveliest and frankest biographies that I have read to date. Filled with rich detail, this book doesn’t hide away from the flaws as well as strengths in Empress Elisabeth’s character as well as how she was viewed by her subjects. It also puts into context effectively the background of the era and Austria’s conflicting relationships with the countries surrounding them – but never in a heavy handed way. Completely fascinating.
Daughters of Olympus by Hannah Lynn: this is such a beautiful re-telling of the relationship between Demeter & her daughter Core aka Persephone. It is a wonderful exploration not only of the Greek mythological tales, but also a portrait of how a relationship between mother can change over the years as seen through each of their eyes. It is a well written and engaging story. Highly recommended.
Think Again by Jacqueline Wilson: its lovely to see the author re-visiting the characters that she created for younger readers, who are now adults. Think Again is wonderfully warm and relatable. Written with great warmth and wit by Wilson, it is so easy to slip back into Ellie, Maagda and Nadine’s worlds (even ig Magda and Nadine could have been brought into the story a bit more). It is a really well grounded and believable story.
Odyssey by Stephen Fry: this fourth book in Stephen Fry’s Greek myths series, is told with the author’s customary insight and wit that keeps the reader thoroughly engaged. But it also keeps the story accessible for those unfamiliar with or want to discover it for the first time. The writing is concise and satisfying from start to finish.
We Solve Murders by Richard Osman: while Osman’s style and sense of humour is on display, it is a very different style from his Thursday Murder Club series. There is a rich variety of characters (perhaps one too many – some with very little involvement) and locations to take the reader on the adventures too. Perhaps there is a feeling more emphasis could have been on the plot that doesn’t have quite so many twists and turns you would expect, but this the first in a new series so who knows what direction it will take next?
The Cardinal by Alison Weir: this latest novel from the historian offers a human look at Thomas Wolsey’s life and how the choices he made saw him rise to the very top until his enemies gathered around him. Weir showcases the variety of aspects of Wolsey’s personality and how essentially it was his ambition that destroyed him. Well written, there is a great thoughtfulness and detail that makes this an unputdownable book.